Geodate delivery vehicles

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides geodate delivery vehicles and methods of manufacture and administration. A vehicle including a lipid monolayer disposed about a hydrophobic domain is disclosed, that can be part of an emulsion or other mixture, or further disposed in a lipid strata. A vehicle including a lipid strata disposed about a hydrophobic domain is also disclosed. The vehicle can be incorporated into a variety of medicinal, food preparations, and personal care products to deliver or stabilize a cargo moiety. Packaged delivery vehicles for to later addition of cargo moieties are also contemplated.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos.60/422,989, filed Nov. 1, 2002, 60/440,284, filed Jan. 14, 2003 and60/507,361, filed Sep. 29, 2003, which applications are incorporatedherein by this reference.

BACKGROUND

Liposomes are widely described in the literature, and their structure iswell known. Typically, they have an onion-like multilamellar structurecomprising a plurality of lipid bilayers spaced one from another byaqueous material. Another type of liposome is a unilamellar liposome,sometime referred to as a vesicle, which is a single lipid bilayerdisposed about an aqueous material.

The use of liposomes as carriers or vehicles for drugs is known, and canbe achieved by a variety of methods. One method involves casting a filmof lipid by evaporation from a solution in an organic solvent, forexample chloroform, and then dispersing the film in a suitable aqueousmedium. In the case of lipid-soluble biologically active compounds, thatis, those which associate with the lipid layers rather than the aqueousphase of the liposomes, the compound can be cast as a film together witha phospholipid, using a common organic solvent. A disadvantage of thismethod is that the amount of active compound that can be incorporatedinto the lipid bilayer is limited. Additionally, the casting method cannot be scaled up to accommodate large batches. In the case ofwater-soluble biologically active compounds the compound is typicallyassociated with liposomes by dispersing a cast lipid film with anaqueous solution in which the compound is solubilized. Disadvantages ofthis method include the difficulty of incorporating sufficientquantities of the active compound in the vesicles, and instability andshelf life of the dispersion. Another disadvantage of this method is thepresence of trace amounts of solvent used in the creation of thevesicles.

The loss of the biologically active compound from liposomes intoexternal aqueous medium is another factor which restricts the potentialof these preparations as practical dosage forms. This is particularlythe case for not only low molecular weight, water-soluble compounds, butalso for lipid-soluble compounds, both of which can partition into theexternal aqueous medium until equilibrium is reached. If theconcentration of compound is small, and/or the volume of the externalaqueous medium is large, this loss can represent a significantproportion of the total amount of the biologically active compound inthe liposomes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides new delivery vehicles for cargo moietiesthat are stable and capable of delivering desired amounts of activeagent. The present invention is based, at least in part, on thediscovery that geodate delivery vehicles can be formed that include alipid monolayer formed about a hydrophobic domain. The hydrophobicdomain can include one or more cargo moieties at concentrationspreviously unattainable by incorporating hydrophobic agents intoliposomal bilayers.

The present invention also is based, in part, on the discovery that thedelivery vehicles can be locked within a crystal strata of alternatingcation and lipid sheet layers. The encrustation can optionally beremoved prior to administration or administered in an encrusted state.The present invention further provides novel methods of manufacture ofthe delivery vehicles, including vehicles in emulsion and crystallizedform. Encrusted or crystallized vehicles can be conveniently and stablyadded to further preparations, such as food, and retain their integrityuntil ingested, retaining the cargo moiety in a stable, non-degradedstate. Methods of administration and incorporation are also disclosed.

Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a geodatedelivery vehicle for a cargo moiety which includes a lipid monolayerdisposed about a hydrophobic domain and a lipid strata disposed aboutthe lipid monolayer. In another embodiment, the invention provides ageodate delivery vehicle for a cargo moiety which includes a lipidmonolayer disposed about a hydrophobic domain, wherein the lipidmonolayer includes a phospholipid.

In some embodiments, the geodate delivery vehicle of the presentinvention is suspended in an aqueous environment. Additionally oralternatively, the geodate delivery vehicle is suspended in an emulsion.In another embodiment, the geodate delivery vehicle is in powder form.

In some embodiments, the geodate delivery vehicle of includes a cargomoiety associated with the geodate delivery vehicle. In one embodiment,the cargo moiety is associated with the hydrophobic domain. In anotherembodiment, the hydrophobic domain is a cargo moiety. In a thirdembodiment, the cargo moiety is associated with the lipid monolayer orthe lipid strata. In a fourth embodiment, the hydrophobic domainincludes a cargo moiety associated with an oil or fat. In preferredembodiments, the cargo moiety is a vitamin, a mineral, a nutrient, amicronutrient, an amino acid, a toxin, a microbicide, a microbistat, aco-factor, an enzyme, a polypeptide, a polypeptide aggregate, apolynucleotide, a lipid, a carbohydrate, a nucleotide, a starch, apigment, a fatty acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, a polyunsaturatedfatty acid, a flavor substance, a flavored essential oil or extract, ahormone, a cytokine, a virus, an organelle, a steroid or othermulti-ring structure, a saccharide, a metal, a metabolic poison, anantigen, an imaging agent, a porphyrin, a tetrapyrrolic pigment, or adrug.

In one aspect of the invention, the lipid includes a negatively chargedphospholipid. Preferably, the lipid includes at least about 50%negatively charged lipid, and more preferably, the lipid includes atleast about 75% negatively charged lipid.

In some embodiments, the geodate delivery vehicle includes anaggregation inhibitor. Preferably, the aggregation inhibitor is caseinor methylcellulose.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a geodate delivery vehiclepackaged with instructions for incorporating a cargo moiety. In anotheraspect, the invention provides a geodate delivery vehicle packaged withinstructions for adding the vehicle to a food, beverage or personal careproduct.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a food item containinga geodate delivery vehicle. The food item can be an animal food item, ahuman food item, a nutrient bar, a snack food, a beverage, adomesticated animal food, a fish food, a poultry feed, a pet food, a dogfood or a cat food.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a personal careproduct containing a geodate delivery vehicle. The personal care productcan be a hair care product or a skin care product.

In other embodiments, the present invention provides a pharmaceuticalcomposition including a geodate delivery vehicle and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating asubject that can benefit from the administration of a cargo moiety,comprising the step of administering a geodate delivery vehiclecomprising a cargo moiety to a subject. The route of administration canbe mucosal, systemic, oral, intranasal, intraocular, intrarectal,intravaginal, intrapulmonary, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous,transdermal or intradermal. In some embodiments, the cargo moiety isadministered to treat inflammation, pain, infection, fungal infection,bacterial infection, viral infection, parasitic disorders, an immunedisorder, genetic disorders, degenerative disorders, cancer, diabetes,insomnia, proliferative disorders, obesity, depression, hair loss,impotence, hypertension, hypotension, dementia, senile dementia, ormalnutrition. In other embodiments, the subject can benefit fromadministration of a nutrient and the cargo moiety is a nutrient.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method ofmanufacturing a geodate delivery vehicle for a cargo moiety by mixing alipid, an aqueous solution and a hydrophobic material, such that a lipidmonolayer is disposed about a hydrophobic domain.

In another embodiment, the geodate delivery vehicle can additionallyinclude a cargo moiety. In yet another embodiment, a lipid strata can beformed about the lipid monolayer by adding to a multivalent cation.Preferably, the multivalent cation includes calcium.

In some embodiments, the geodate delivery vehicle is dried to form apowder. In other embodiments, the geodate delivery vehicle is associatedwith a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In still other embodiments,the geodate delivery vehicle is added to a food item or a personal careproduct.

The present invention also provides a method of forming a geodatedelivery vehicle for a cargo moiety by mixing a lipid which includes aphospholipid with a hydrophobic material such that a geodate deliveryvehicle is formed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary method of manufacturing a geodatedelivery vehicle in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 2A-D are four images of dioleoyl phosphatidylserine (DOPS) andolive oil interacting an aqueous buffer.

FIGS. 3A-B are two images of exemplary geodate delivery vehicles thatinclude a DOPS monolayer disposed about Amphotericin B in olive oil.

FIG. 4 is an image of a DOPS geodate delivery vehicle that includes aDOPS monolayer about fluorescent Amphotericin B interacting with oliveoil.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are images of a lipid strata encrusting olive oil, wherethe lipid includes Rhodamine-labeled DOPS.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are images of a geodate delivery vehicle including afluorescent DOPS monolayer disposed about olive oil, after release froma lipid strata.

FIG. 9 illustrates another exemplary method of manufacturing a geodatedelivery vehicle in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 10A and B are two images of a stable beta-carotene/oil/lipidemulsion in aqueous media.

FIG. 11 is an image of a stable emulsion of beta-carotene in soy oil andlipid dispersed in an aqueous environment.

FIGS. 12A and B are two images of beta carotene-oil geodes made inaccordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 13A-D are images of beta carotene geodes prepared in accordancewith the present invention. FIGS. 13A and 13B depict geodes insuspension and FIGS. 13C and 13D depict the same formulations subsequentto the addition of EDTA.

FIGS. 14A-D are images of beta-carotene geodes extracted from suspensionin commercial drying apparatus. FIGS. 14A and 14D are images of geodesextracted by spray drying, and FIGS. 14B and 14C are images of geodesextracted by fluid bed drying.

FIG. 15 is a graph showing the stability of beta-carotene geodes insuspension, after spray drying, and after fluid bed drying.

FIG. 16 is two graphs depicting the stability of various beta-carotenegeode formulations over a 20 day period.

FIG. 17 is a graph showing the stability of beta-carotene geodes insuspension and after spray drying.

FIG. 18 is an image of a muffin containing beta-carotene geodes.

FIG. 19 is an image of beta-carotene geodes applied topically to thepalm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is based, in part, on the discovery that a lipid monolayerwill form about a hydrophobic domain, and that this structure can beemployed to deliver a variety of cargo moieties.

One advantage of the present invention is that cargo moieties can beincorporated into the geodate delivery vehicle at high concentrations.Another advantage of the present invention is the ability to incorporatemultiple cargo moieties into one geodate delivery vehicle. Incorporationinto a geodate delivery vehicle is also advantageous because it providesthe cargo moiety with protection from both the environment, e.g., waterand oxygen, and also the stomach. Additionally, the geodate deliveryvehicle protects stomach from the cargo moiety. The present invention isadvantageous because the formulation of geodate delivery vehiclesinvolves no solvent. The present invention is also advantageous becausethe resultant geodate delivery vehicles are highly stable, e.g., theycan withstand extreme temperature and pressure. Another advantage of thepresent invention is the ability of the geodate delivery vehicle to maskthe taste and/or odor of cargo moieties.

In order to more clearly and concisely describe the subject matter ofthe claims, the following definitions are intended to provide guidanceas to the meaning of specific terms used in the following writtendescription, examples and appended claims.

The term “geodate delivery vehicle” refers to a delivery vehicle for acargo moiety. Geodate delivery vehicles generally include a lipidmonolayer disposed about a hydrophobic domain. A “hydrophobic domain” isa composition that is sufficiently hydrophobic in nature to allowformation of a lipid monolayer about its periphery. A hydrophobic domaincan itself be one or more cargo moieties, or it can include ahydrophobic composition, such as oil or fat, associated with the cargomoiety, which can be, e.g., a hydrophobic or amphiphilic agent.

The term “lipid monolayer” generally refers to a lipid-containing layerone molecule thick (as contrasted with lipid bilayers that are twomolecules thick). A lipid monolayer can contain further elements, suchas cholesterol, steroids, or proteins. In contrast, “liposomes” refer tovesicles defined by lipid bilayers (two molecules thick) in aunilamellar or multilamellar structure.

In one aspect of the invention, the lipid monolayer includes and/or iscomposed primarily of negatively charged lipids. When a lipid strata isformed, the multivalent cation forms a cationic bridge between thenegatively-charged lipid in the monolayer and the negatively chargedlipid in the liposomes. In another embodiment, the lipid monolayer iscomposed primarily of positively charged lipids. In this case, the headgroups interact with negatively charged lipid in the strata. In yetanother embodiment, the lipid monolayer is composed primarily of neutrallipids. The coated hydrophobic domain, in this embodiment is trappedwithin the lipid strata, but does not ionically interact with thestrata.

The term “lipid strata” refers to a structure of alternating cationicand lipid sheet-like layers. A lipid strata can be formed by introducinga cation to an emulsion containing liposomes. The lipid strata not onlylocks the hydrophobic domain within the geodate lipid monolayer, but canitself be associated with a cargo moiety (e.g., a hydrophilic agentdisposed within the lipid strata). In one embodiment, the lipid strataentraps a hydrophobic domain. In another, the lipid strata entraps ahydrophobic domain disposed within a lipid monolayer.

The term “cargo moiety” refers to any compound having a property ofbiological interest. The agent may be, e.g., organic or inorganic, amonomer or a polymer, endogenous to a host organism or not, naturallyoccurring or synthesized in vitro and the like. Thus, examples include,vitamins, minerals, nutrients, micronutrients, amino acids, toxins,microbicides, microbistats, co-factors, enzymes, polypeptides,polypeptide aggregates, polynucleotides, lipids, carbohydrates,nucleotides, starches, pigments, fatty acids, monounsaturated fattyacids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, flavorings, essential oils orextracts, hormones, cytokines, viruses, organelles, steroids and othermulti-ring structures, saccharides, metals, medicaments, proteins,marker compounds, imaging agents, antigens, porphyrins, tetrapyrrolicpigments, metabolic poison, drugs and the like

The methods of this invention are particularly useful in the case ofhydrophobic cargo moieties and agents that can be associated with and/orcan be incorporated into a hydrophobic phase, e.g., by binding to oradmixing with a hydrophobic vehicle. Cargo moieties can also beincorporated in a lipid strata of the present invention. Thus,combination therapies can be employed by delivering one or more activeagents (e.g., hydrophobic and amphiphilic agents) associated with thehydrophobic domain, and one or more active agents (e.g., hydrophilicagents) associated with the lipid strata.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a geodate delivery vehicle fora cargo moiety, which includes a lipid monolayer disposed a hydrophobicdomain, and a lipid strata disposed about the lipid monolayer. Inanother embodiment, the invention provides a geodate delivery vehiclefor a cargo moiety including a lipid monolayer disposed a hydrophobicdomain, and wherein the lipid monolayer includes at least onephospholipid.

In one embodiment, the geodate delivery vehicle can be suspended in anaqueous environment, e.g., an emulsion. In alternative embodiments, thegeodate delivery vehicle is in powder form.

The hydrophobic domain is a hydrophobic composition that can be acarrier for one or more cargo moieties, or the cargo moiety or agentsitself. That is, the hydrophobic domain can be a hydrophobic carrier(e.g., olive oil or soy oil) associated with a cargo moiety (e.g., anantifungal agent such as amphotericin, a marker compound such asrhodamine, and/or nutrients such as beta carotene and alpha tocopherol).Alternatively, the hydrophobic domain can be the cargo moiety itself,e.g., a nutrient such as omega 3 fatty acid or a hydrophobic drug.Alternatively the hydrophobic domain can be one or more cargo moietiesthat act as a carrier for further cargo moieties.

In one embodiment, the hydrophobic domain is present in a range ofbetween about 1% and 99%, preferably between about 1% and about 75%,more preferably between about 10% and about 30% by weight of the finalcomposition of the geode.

The terms “encrusted,” “crystallized,” and “crystalline” generally referto a solid or semi-solid lipid strata formed about one or morehydrophobic domains.

As used herein, the term “food” refers to any object or objects suitablefor consumption by a human or non-human animal.

The term “delivery,” as used herein, refers to any means of bringing ortransporting a cargo moiety to a host, a food item, a formulation, apharmaceutical composition, or any other system, wherein the cargomoiety maintains at least a portion of the activity it had when firstformulated in the geodate structure. Thus, e.g., in a beta-carotenegeode, the beta-carotene retains some activity within the geode until itis used.

The delivery vehicles of the present invention are directed tohydrophobic domains encapsulated or entrapped in a stable vehicle. Inone aspect, the invention features a lipid monolayer disposed about ahydrophobic domain, which can be part of a stable emulsion and/orentrapped in lipid strata. In another aspect the geodate deliveryvehicle features a lipid strata disposed about a hydrophobic domain, anda lipid monolayer is optional.

The hydrophobic domain can itself be one or more cargo moieties, or itcan include a hydrophobic composition (e.g., oil or fat) associated withthe cargo moiety, which can be, e.g., a hydrophobic or amphiphilicagent. If the agent is amphiphilic, it can associate with both thehydrophobic domain and the lipid. Further cargo moieties can also bedelivered by associating them with a lipid strata, thus combinationtherapies can be effected. The cargo moiety can be associated with thehydrophobic domain, the lipid monolayer and/or the lipid strata.

The cargo moiety can be a diagnostic agent, such as an imaging agent.Imaging agents include nuclear agents and porphyrins. Porphyrins includetetrapyrrolic agents or pigments. One such tetrapyrrolic agent is ZincTetra-Phenyl Porphyrin (ZnTPP), which is a hydrophobic, fluorescentmolecule that has high absorption in the visible spectrum (dark purple).

The cargo moiety may be a polynucleotide that is expressed to yield abiologically active polypeptide or polynucleotide. Thus, the polypeptidemay serve as an immunogen or, e.g., have enzymatic activity. Thepolynucleotide may have catalytic activity, for example, be a ribosome,or may serve as an inhibitor of transcription or translation, e.g., asmall interfering RNA (siRNA) or an antisense molecule. Thepolynucleotide can be an antisense molecule including modified antisensemolecule, such as an morpholino antisense molecule. The polynucleotidecan be modified, e.g., it can be synthesized to have a morpholinobackbone. If expressed, the polynucleotide preferably includes thenecessary regulatory elements, such as a promoter, as known in the art.A specific example of a polypeptide is insulin. The cargo moiety can bean organic molecule that is hydrophobic in aqueous media. The cargomoiety can be a water-soluble polyvalent cationic molecule.

The cargo moiety can be a drug, such as, a protein, a small peptide, abioactive polynucleotide, an antibiotic, an antiviral, an anesthetic, ananti-infectious, an antifungal, an anticancer, an immunosuppressant, asteroidal anti-inflammatory, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, anantioxidant, an antidepressant which can be synthetic or naturallyderived, a substance which supports or enhances mental function orinhibits mental deterioration, an anticonvulsant, an HIV proteaseinhibitor, a non-nucleophilic reverse transcriptase inhibitor, acytokine, a tranquilizer or a vasodilatory agent. The drug can also beany over the counter (non-prescription) medication. Examples includeAmphotericin B, acyclovir, adriamycin, carbamazepine, ivermectin,melphalen, nifedipine, indomethacin, curcumin, aspirin, ibuprofen,naproxen, acetaminophen, rofecoxib, diclofenac, ketoprofin, meloxicam,nabumetone, estrogens, testosterones, steroids, phenyloin, ergotamines,cannabinoids, rapamycin, propanadid, propofol, alphadione, echinomycin,miconazole nitrate, teniposide, hexamethylmelamine, taxol, taxotere,18-hydroxydeoxycorticosterone, prednisolone, dexamethazone, cortisone,hydrocortisone, piroxicam, diazepam, verapamil, vancomycin, tobramycin,nystatin, rifampin, geldanamycin, tyrphostin, glucan synthesisinhibitors, vitamin A acid, mesalamine, risedronate, nitrofurantoin,dantrolene, etidronate, caspofungin, nicotine, amitriptyline,clomipramine, citalopram, dothepin, doxepin, fluoxetine, imipramine,lofepramine, mirtazapine, nortriptyline, paroxetine, reboxitine,sertraline, trazodone, venlafaxine, dopamine, St. John's wort,phosphatidylserine, phosphatidic acid, amastatin, antipain, bestatin,benzamidine, chymostatin, 3,4-dichloroisocoumarin, elastatinal,leupeptin, pepstatin, 1,10-phenanthroline, phosphoramidon, ethosuximide,ethotoin, felbamate, fosphenyloin, lamotrigine, levitiracetam,mephenyloin, methsuximide, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phensuximide,primidone, topirimate, trimethadione, zonisamide, saquinavir, ritonavir,indinavir, nelfinavir, or amprenavir.

The drug can be a polypeptide such as cyclosporin, angiotensin I, II andIII, enkephalins and their analogs, ACTH, anti-inflammatory peptides I,II, III, bradykinin, calcitonin, b-endorphin, dinorphin, leucokinin,leutinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH), insulin, neurokinins,somatostatin, substance P, thyroid releasing hormone (TRH) andvasopressin.

The drug can be an antigen, but is not limited to a protein antigen. Theantigen can also be a carbohydrate or DNA. Examples of antigenicproteins include membrane proteins, carbohydrates, envelopeglycoproteins from viruses, animal cell proteins, plant cell proteins,bacterial proteins, and parasitic proteins.

The antigen can be extracted from the source particle, cell, tissue, ororganism by known methods. Biological activity of the antigen need notbe maintained. However, in some instances (e.g., where a protein hasmembrane fusion or ligand binding activity or a complex conformationwhich is recognized by the immune system), it is desirable to maintainthe biological activity. In these instances, an extraction buffercontaining a detergent which does not destroy the biological activity ofthe membrane protein is employed. Suitable detergents include ionicdetergents such as cholate salts, deoxycholate salts and the like orheterogeneous polyoxyethylene detergents such as Tween, BRIG or Triton.

The cargo moiety can be a nutrient including, but not limited to,lycopene, micronutrients such as phytochemicals or zoochemicals,vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids, fish oils, fish oilextracts, and saccharides, vitamins, herbal products, essential oils orminerals. Specific examples include Vitamins A, B, B1, B2, B3, B12, B6,B-complex, C, D, E, and K, vitamin precursors, caroteniods, andbeta-carotene, resveratrol, biotin, choline, inositol, ginko, lutein,zeaxanthin, quercetin, silibinin, perillyl alcohol, genistein,sulfurophane, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, herbs, spices, and iron.Minerals include, but are not limited to boron, chromium, colloidalminerals, colloidal silver, copper, manganese, potassium, selenium,vanadium, vanadyl sulfate, calcium, magnesium, barium, iron and zinc.

As used herein, “micronutrient” is a nutrient that the body must obtainfrom outside sources. Generally micronutrients are essential to the bodyin small amounts.

The cargo moiety can be a saccharide or sweetener, e.g., saccharine,isomalt, maltodextrine, aspartame, glucose, maltose, dextrose, fructoseand sucrose. Flavor agents include oils, essential oils, or extracts,including but not limited to oils and extracts of cinnamon, vanilla,almond, peppermint, spearmint, chamomile, geranium, ginger, grapefruit,hyssop, jasmine, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, marjoram, lime, nutmeg,orange, rosemary, sage, rose, thyme, anise, basil, black pepper, tea ortea extracts, an herb, a citrus, a spice or a seed.

In one embodiment, the cargo moiety is present in a range of betweenapproximately 1% and 99% of the final composition. In one embodiment,the cargo moiety is present in a range between about 1% and about 30% byweight of the final composition of the geode. In another embodiment, asecond cargo moiety is additionally incorporated into the geodestructure, in a range of between about 0.1% and about 90% by weight ofthe final composition of the geode. In one embodiment, the second cargomoiety is present in a range of between about 1% and about 10%, morepreferably between about 1% and about 5%.

In one embodiment, the cargo moiety is incorporated into the hydrophobicdomain in a range of between about 0.1% and about 99% of the hydrophobicdomain. In a preferred embodiment, the range is between about 0.1% andabout 50%. More preferably, the ratio is between about 1% and about 25%.In another embodiment, a second cargo moiety is also incorporated intothe hydrophobic domain in a range of between about 1% and about 90%. Inanother embodiment the cargo moiety is the hydrophobic domain.

In one embodiment, the hydrophobic domain is present in a range ofbetween about 1% and about 99% of the total composition. In a preferredembodiment, the hydrophobic domain is present in a range of about 1% andabout 50% of the total composition. More preferably, the hydrophobicdomain is present in a range of about 5% to about 35%.

Lipids suitable for use in forming the lipid monolayer (and theliposomes discussed below) include, but are not limited to,phospholipids such as soy lecithin, partially refined lecithin,hydrogenated phospholipids, lysophosphate, phopshpatidylcholine,phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylinositol,cardiolipin, sphingolipids, gangliosides, cerebrosides, ceramides, soyphospholipids, other ester analogues of phopshpatidylcholine, syntheticphospholipids, phosphatidylethanolamine derivatives, and phospholipidswith partially or fully fluorinated fatty acid chains. Preferably, thelipid is a negatively charged phospholipid such as phosphatidylserine.Preferred phosphatidylserines include soy PS and dioleoyl PS (DOPS). Thelipid can also include fluorescent phospholipid.

Further, synthetic phospholipids containing either altered aliphaticportions, such as hydroxyl groups, branched carbon chains, cycloderivatives, aromatic derivatives, ethers, amides, polyunsaturatedderivatives, halogenated derivatives, or altered hydrophilic portionscontaining carbohydrate, glycol, phosphate, phosphonate, quaternaryamine, sulfate, sulfonate, carboxy, amine, sulfhydryl, imidazole groupsand combinations of such groups, can be either substituted or intermixedwith the phospholipids, and others known to those skilled in the art.

The lipid employed in the present invention preferably includes one ormore negatively charged lipids. As used herein, the term “negativelycharged lipid” includes lipids having a head group bearing a formalnegative charge in aqueous solution at an acidic or physiological pH,and also includes lipids having a zwitterionic head group.

In one embodiment, the lipid is a mixture of lipids, comprising at least50% negatively charged lipid. In another embodiment, the lipid includesat least 75% negatively charged lipid. In other embodiments, the lipidincludes at least 85%, 90%, 95% or even 99% negatively charged lipid.All ranges and values between 40% and 100% negatively charged lipid aremeant to be encompassed herein.

In a preferred embodiment, the lipid monolayer formed about thehydrophobic domain is a predominantly negatively charged lipidmonolayer. In a preferred embodiment, lipid strata can be formed by theaddition of a cation to the emulsion.

In another embodiment, the lipid monolayer formed about the hydrophobicdomain is a predominantly positively charged lipid monolayer. In anotherembodiment, lipid strata may be formed by the addition of an anion tothe emulsion.

If the delivery vehicle is suspended in a stable emulsion, the solutioncan contain liposomes or other lipid structures to further stabilize theemulsion, e.g., to reduce or eliminate aggregation or coalescence withinthe emulsion. The solution can also include additional additives toprevent aggregation, to aid in the association of cargo moieties withthe hydrophobic domains, and/or to prevent the active agent frommigrating out of the delivery vehicles of the present invention. Iflipid strata is formed about the hydrophobic domains in an emulsion, thevehicles can be utilized in an emulsion or extracted for utility in asolid or semi-solid form such as a paste or a powder.

The lipid monolayer is advantageous because large and/or chargedmolecules have difficulty passing through it. Thus cargo moieties areinhibited or prevented from exiting the domain through the monolayer.The lipid strata is advantageous because it typically is impassable bycargo moieties which are immobilized within it or trapped by it in thehydrophobic domain. Another advantage to both the monolayer and thelipid strata is that the cargo moiety is protected from the environmentand the environment is protected by the cargo moiety. Both the emulsionsand the lipid strata are stable, thus enabling not only convenientstorage and delivery of the agents, but a convenient means ofincorporating the same into compositions, such as food or pharmaceuticalcompositions.

A lipid strata includes liposomes and cation, and can be formed fromliposomes by exposure to cation. The cation and the liposomes align toform a stacked or rolled structure that captures and retains or encrustsone or more hydrophobic domains. The cation preferably is a multivalentcation. The cation can be a divalent cation, such as Ca⁺⁺, Zn⁺⁺, Ba⁺⁺,and Mg⁺⁺. The cation can also be a multivalent cargo moiety.

The hydrophobic domains, with or without a lipid monolayer dispersedabout said hydrophobic domains, can be released from the lipid stratawhen desired upon exposure of the crystalline lipid structure to achelating agent such as EDTA, ascorbic acid and/or citric acid. Thechelating agent serves to disrupt the crystalline structure providing ade-encrusted lipid monolayer encapsulating a hydrophobic globule. Thechelating agent can be added to a dry powder and stored, so that uponaddition of water, the chelating agent acts on the encrustation torelease the encapsulated domain.

Cargo moieties can be delivered at different rates, depending, e.g., onwhether the vehicle is in a lipid strata and/or an emulsion. The choiceof cation, lipid and hydrophobic domain makeup can also affect deliveryrates and times. Thus, the rate of release of the cargo moietiescontained therewith varies and can even be staggered, e.g., if the lipidstrata dissolves first in vivo, delivering a first agent, followed bythe delivery of a second agent associated with the hydrophobic domain.Accordingly, by controlling the ingredients and the structure of thevehicles described herein, vehicles which will release the cargo moietyin desired amounts over a protracted period of time are obtainable.

Accordingly, the compositions of the invention may include one or morecargo moieties present in or associated with the hydrophobic domain, thelipid monolayer, the lipid strata, a stable emulsion (e.g., in liposomesor aqueous media), or any combination thereof. In addition, severallayers of precipitate can be formed about or encrusted about the geodatedelivery vehicles, with one or more cargo moieties associated therewith.Accordingly, the invention may be employed for combination drug therapyand/or consecutive or simultaneous release profiles, e.g., pulsed orextended release. For example, a stomach protecting medication can beformulated in the lipid strata for initial release, and one or morenon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be formulated in thehydrophobic domain for release after the stomach protecting medicationis released.

The amount of cargo moiety incorporated into the vehicles of the presentinvention can vary. Because of the advantageous properties of thevehicles, e.g., the stability of the agent trapped in the vehicle,lesser amounts of the agent can be used to achieve the same end resultas compared to using known delivery means, e.g., direct addition of theagent to food.

In one embodiment, the geodate delivery vehicles of the presentinvention are small, e.g., in the micrometer or nanometer range. Suchgeodate delivery vehicles are particularly advantageous, e.g., becausethe small size increases the oral availability. In addition, small sizesare preferred and sometimes necessary for intravenous administration.The geodate delivery vehicles of the invention can be micronized ordisaggregated by introducing an aggregation inhibitor (e.g., casein).Preferably, however, the geodate delivery vehicles are formed in thedesired size range and/or the suspension can be micronized prior toaddition of cation. In such embodiments, an aggregation inhibitor can beemployed to form geodate delivery vehicles in a desired size range.

In a preferred embodiment the geodate delivery vehicles of the presentinvention further comprise and aggregation inhibitor. In one embodiment,an aggregation inhibitor is employed to obtain geodate delivery vehiclesof a desired size. The term “aggregation inhibitor,” as used herein,refers to an agent that inhibits aggregation of a geodate deliveryvehicle with or without a lipid strata and with or without an emulsion.The aggregation inhibitor typically is present at least on the surfaceof the geodate delivery vehicle, and may only be present on the surfaceof the geodate delivery vehicle (e.g., when the aggregation inhibitor isintroduced after precipitation). Aggregation inhibitors can be addedbefore, after, or during geodate delivery vehicle formation. Aggregationinhibitors work in part by modifying the surface characteristics of thegeodate delivery vehicle such that aggregation is inhibited. Aggregationcan be inhibited, for example, by steric bulk and/or a change in thenature of the geodate delivery vehicle structure, e.g., a change in thesurface hydrophobicity and/or surface charge. The aggregation inhibitorcan be added at any point in the manufacture (e.g., to pre-emptaggregation), and/or after manufacture (e.g., to stabilize theprecipitate size and/or disaggregate precipitates).

In a preferred embodiment, the precipitates of the present inventioninclude one or more aggregation inhibitors. The aggregation inhibitorcan be added prior to, during, and/or after precipitation. The typeand/or amount of aggregation inhibitor can be adjusted to obtain adesired precipitate size and/or distribution. Additionally oralternatively, aggregation inhibitor(s) can be used to stabilizeprecipitate size and/or size distribution such that aggregation ofprecipitates is minimized or eliminated.

Suitable aggregation inhibitors that can be employed in accordance withthe present invention, include but are not limited to at least one ofthe following: casein, κ-casein, milk, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose,propylcellulose, hydroxycellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose,polyvinyl pyrrolidone, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxyethyl cellulose,pullulan, polyvinyl alcohol, sodium alginate, polyethylene glycol,polyethylene oxide, xanthan gum, tragacanth gum, guar gum, acacia gum,arabic gum, polyacrylic acid, methylmethacrylate copolymer, carboxyvinylpolymer, amylose, high amylose starch, hydroxypropylated high amylosestarch, dextrin, pectin, chitin, chitosan, levan, elsinan, collagen,gelatin, zein, gluten, carrageenan, carnauba wax, shellac, latexpolymers, milk protein isolate, soy protein isolate, whey proteinisolate and mixtures thereof.

A preferred aggregation inhibitor is casein. Casein is a highlyphosphorylated, calcium binding protein. Without wishing to be bound toany particular theory, it is believed that calcium mediates aninteraction between negatively charged lipid (e.g., PS) and casein,thereby changing the surface properties of precipitates such thataggregation is inhibited. Another preferred aggregation inhibitor ismilk and other milk products such as Half and Half, cream, etc. Anotherpreferred aggregation inhibitor is methylcellulose.

More than one aggregation inhibitor may be employed in the compositionsof the invention. For example, both milk and methylcellulose may be usedas an aggregation inhibitor.

In one embodiment, the precipitate compositions of the invention includean aggregation inhibitor to lipid ratio of between about 0.5:1 to about4:1 by weight. Preferably, the aggregation inhibitor to lipid ratio isabout 1:1. A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily be able todetermine the amount of aggregation inhibitor needed to formprecipitates of the desired size with no more than routineexperimentation.

Pharmaceutical formulations incorporating the delivery vehicles of thepresent invention can be of solid form including tablets, capsules,pills, bulk or unit dose powders and granules or of liquid formincluding solutions, fluid emulsions, fluid suspensions, semisolids andthe like. This is particularly true using vehicles including a lipidstrata, as the crystalline structure protects the agent from itsenvironment and vice versa. In addition to the active ingredient, theformulation would comprise suitable art-recognized diluents, carriers,fillers, binders, emulsifiers, surfactants, water-soluble vehicles,buffers, solubilizers and preservatives.

Pharmaceutical formulations incorporating the delivery vehicles of thepresent invention can be of liquid or semi-liquid form including foodproducts, such as therapy or nutrient drinks, yogurt, milk, saladdressing, moist animal food, and the like The stable emulsions of thepresent invention can be directly added to such formulations.

An advantage of the vehicles of the present invention is the stabilityand safety of the composition, particularly when soy-based lipids areemployed. Thus, the geodate delivery vehicles can be administered orallyor by instillation without concern, as well as by the more traditionalroutes, such as topical, subcutaneous, intradermal, intramuscular andthe like. Direct application to mucosal surfaces is an attractivedelivery means made possible with the delivery vehicles.

The skilled artisan can determine the most efficacious and therapeuticmeans for effecting treatment practicing the instant invention.Reference can also be made to any of numerous authorities and referencesincluding, for example, “Goodman & Gilman's, The Pharmaceutical Basisfor Therapeutics”, (6th Ed., Goodman, et al., eds., MacMillan Publ. Co.,New York, 1980).

The geodate delivery vehicles of the instant invention also serve asexcellent means for delivering fragile cargo moieties to a host. Suchcargo moieties include nutrients, vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E orK, co-factors, enzymes, fatty acids such as polyunsaturated forms,minerals including divalent cations such as calcium, magnesium, zinc,iron or barium, flavors and the like. Because the cargo moiety iscontained within the vehicle, in a non-aqueous environment, the agentessentially is stabilized and preserved. Hydrophobic molecules can bemade part of the geodate delivery structure, with little difficulty asthe lipid monolayer of the present invention will form about ahydrophobic domain.

The geodate delivery vehicles can be particularly advantageous fordelivering agents to food and drinks to be consumed by humans or otheranimals. For example, dog and cat food can include the vehicles of thepresent invention to stably deliver vitamins, flavoring agents, mineralsor other nutrients, as well as medications, e.g., allergy medications.Similarly, the geodate delivery vehicles of the present invention can beadded to pet or domestic animal feed, such as fish food and food forfowl, cattle, and horses. The vehicles can be added at any step of thepreparation. For example, the vehicles can be added at any point in themethods described in WO 02/44026, incorporated herein by this reference.Similarly, the compositions and methods of the invention can be employedin food or drink to be consumed by humans, e.g., in a nutrient bar ordrink, cereals, breads, and snack food. Accordingly, the preparations ofthe invention allow for the production of stable, convenientpreparations of micronutrients in processed foods, such as fast foods.Typically, potentially beneficial micronutrients, e.g., omega fattyacids and antioxidants, can be destroyed during food manufacture andstorage. The delivery vehicles of the invention protect micronutrientsand other cargo moieties, thus increasing the nutritional and/ormedicinal value of the food.

Because of their increased stability, the compositions and methods ofthe present invention are particularly useful in foods that are baked orcooked, such as cakes, muffins, pasta noodles, soups, cereals, chips,candy and cookies. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions are usedin candy, such as candy bars, e.g., chocolate bars. For example, omegafatty acid-geodes can be incorporated into a chocolate bar.

The geodate delivery vehicles can be added to food items, e.g., fastfood products, in the crystallized or emulsion form at any stage of themanufacturing process. The food item can be an animal food item, a humanfood item, a nutrient bar, a snack food, a beverage, a domesticatedanimal food, a fish food, a poultry feed, a pet food, a dog food or acat food.

They preferably are added at a stage where the integrity of the deliveryvehicle is maintained until ingestion, or final preparation of the foodproduct by the consumer. Another alternative, however, can be to use thevehicles to maintain the stability of the agent until incorporation intothe product, so activity can be maintained during storage and shipping.Yet another alternative is to deliver the vehicles themselves toconsumers or professionals, for direct addition to food products, e.g.,medicament, nutrient crystals, additives, supplements, or emulsions,such that the user can vary the concentration as desired.

The vehicles can also be added to a carrier for use as a topicaltreatment on the skin. Suitable carriers would remain on the skin for anextended period of time, and be resistant to perspiration or immersionin water. Thus, for example, the vehicles may be added to topicalapplications of medicaments, moisturizers, deodorants, balms,fragrances, sunscreens, and the like.

Additional examples of formulations that can include the geodatedelivery vehicles of the invention include, but are not limited to, haircare products, skin care products, personal care products, personalcleansing products, lotions, fragrances, sprays, perfumes, cosmetics,toothpastes, tooth whiteners, cleaners, bar soap, liquid soap, bodywash, baby wash, makeup, hair color, shampoos, conditioners, stylingproducts, balms, creams, solutions, gels and solids. Thus, for example,shampoos, conditioners and the like may contain geodate deliveryvehicles loaded with vitamins, moisturizers, perfumes, medications, etc.

The vehicles can also be added to cleansers which do not have directcontact with the skin. These formulations would be advantageous for,i.e., the incorporation of perfumes, moisturizers or other such cargomoieties into fabric or for the introduction of an antibacterial agentto dishes. Examples include, but are not limited to, laundry detergent,pre-treating formulations, dryer sheets, fabric softener, anddishwashing detergent.

Geodate delivery vehicles can also be added to paper products for thetopical application of cargo moieties to skin. Examples of paperproducts that can include geodate delivery vehicles of the inventioninclude baby care products, i.e., diapers or baby wipes, tissues, toiletpaper, antibacterial or antiperspirant towelettes, napkins, papertowels, bandaids, gauze pads, and feminine hygiene products.

An artisan can determine without undue experimentation the optimal lipidto cargo moiety and/or hydrophobic domain ratios for a specific purpose.Formation of geodate delivery vehicles is monitored-readily. Then, thepreparation can be administered to the targeted host to ascertain thenature and tenor of the biologic response to the administeredcomposition. It should be evident that the optimized ratio for any oneuse may range from a high ratio, for example, to minimize the use of arare cargo moiety, to a low ratio to obtain maximal amount of cargomoiety in the vehicle. Because the vehicle can accept a large load ofcargo moiety, the amount of cargo moiety can vary greatly depending onneed.

The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing a geodatedelivery vehicle for a cargo moiety. The method generally includes thestep of: mixing a lipid, an aqueous solution and a hydrophobic material,such that a geodate delivery vehicle is formed, which includes a lipidmonolayer disposed about a hydrophobic domain.

An alternate method of forming a geodate delivery vehicle includesmixing a lipid and a hydrophobic material, e.g., by kneading, such thatone or more geodate delivery vehicles are formed. This method can beadvantageous, for example, when an aqueous environment is not desired.Fragile cargo moieties are often sensitive to moisture, which can causedecomposition upon prolonged exposure. A non-aqueous method for forminggeodate delivery vehicles, therefore, would be desirable.

At a low lipid to hydrophobic domain ratio, the lipids tend to formmicelles in the water; at a higher concentration the lipids will formlipid monolayers about the hydrophobic globule. Preferably, the lipid tohydrophobic domain ratio is between 5:1 and about 10:1.

The method can further include the step of adding a cargo moiety,wherein the cargo moiety associates with the hydrophobic domain. Theagent can be added prior to or after emulsifying the mixture to form thelipid monolayer about the hydrophobic domain. Alternatively, thehydrophobic domain may itself be a cargo moiety, e.g., fish oil.

The methods of the invention can include the step of adding a cation tothe emulsion to form a lipid strata about a geodate delivery vehicle.The lipid strata can be maintained in the emulsion. Optionally, themethod can include the step of extracting the precipitate from theemulsion to form a solid or semi-solid, e.g., a powder. The geodatedelivery vehicle can be harvested from the suspension by filtration,centrifugation or other techniques, and dried to a powder. As shownbelow, the geodates can be extracted from suspension using commercial,large-scale or large batch equipment, e.g., spray dryers or fluid beddryers. Geodes recovered with such equipment can experience extremetemperatures, e.g., 400° F., for prolonged periods of time withoutdegrading the geode structure or its cargo.

Alternatively, the geodates can be dried using an apparatus which useshigh pressure and hot air to form a powder. The high pressure creates amist from the geodate suspension, which enters a chamber from the top.The hot air enters the camber from the bottom and blows seed crystalsinto the center of the chamber. When the mist and the seed crystalsmeet, geodates coat the seed crystal, and powder forms.

Use of the delivery vehicles of the present invention, e.g., geodes, canresult in an increase in the amount of active ingredient deliveredversus that which can be achieved with conventional food or drugpreparations. For example, the delivery vehicles of the presentinvention can result in a 20%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 100%, 200% . . . 1000% . .. 10,000% increase in the active (undegraded) ingredient deliveredversus use of the cargo directly in the preparation of the drug, food,beverage, etc.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary method of manufacturing a geodatedelivery vehicle in accordance with the present invention. The lipid(e.g., a phospholipid) is represented in liposomes as open rings, andindividually and in lipid monolayer arrangements as hairpin-likestructures indicating the hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tail portionsof a typical phospholipid. The hydrophobic domains (e.g., oil droplets),are represented by shaded circles. Lipid strata is represented withhatching. The phospholipid and oil droplets are emulsified to create astable emulsion that includes liposomes as well as geodate deliveryvehicles that each include a lipid monolayer disposed about a droplet ofoil. A cation is added (e.g., calcium), and the liposomes collapse intoa strata of alternating liposome bilayer and calcium layers. In FIG. 1,several crystals are depicted, each one capturing several geodatedelivery vehicles. Optionally, the crystals can be removed from thesuspension (not shown).

To further illustrate the present invention, FIGS. 2A-D include fourimages of DOPS and olive oil interacting in an aqueous buffer. FIGS. 3Aand B are two images of geodate delivery vehicles including a DOPSmonolayer disposed about Amphotericin B in olive oil. FIG. 4 is an imageof a DOPS geodate delivery vehicle that includes a DOPS monolayer aboutfluorescent Amphotericin B interacting with olive oil. FIGS. 5 and 6 areimages of a lipid strata encrusting olive oil, where the lipid isRhodamine-labeled DOPS. FIGS. 7 and 8 are images of a geodate deliveryvehicle that includes a fluorescent DOPS monolayer disposed about oliveoil, after a lipid strata formed with calcium was removed with achelating agent.

The natural composition of the preparations of the present inventionreduces the risks associated with other delivery methods such as methodsusing unnatural chemicals or methods using infectious viral vectorsystems. The preparations are manufactured relatively easily andinexpensively, and are compatible with a wide range of cargo moieties.The preparations can be delivered orally in a suspension or vehicle suchas a food vehicle (e.g., liquid or solid food items). Thus, thepreparations of the present invention may eliminate the need for painfuland difficult injections. Moreover, the preparations are not restrictedto prescription drugs, but may also be used to deliver over-the-countermedication or other agents, such as vitamins, minerals or othernutrients.

An example of such cargo moieties are omega-3 fatty acids, which arefound mainly in fish oils and other fish products. Omega-3 fatty acidshave been implicated in increased disease resistance and fertility inanimals, and they are shown to have a significantly positive effect oncholesterol and overall cardiovascular health in human beings. See, forexample, Daviglus et al. N Engl J Med. 336: 1046-1053 (1997). One of thecomplications of incorporating them directly into food, however, istheir noticeable odor and taste.

The present invention provides a means for masking flavors and odors,such as those associated with omega-3 fatty acids, by encapsulationwithin a lipid strata. For example, omega-3 fatty acid-geodes have beenadded to beverages such as soy milk; milk, liquid yogurt; grapefruitjuice, orange juice, smoothies, sports drinks, soft drinks, tea, coffee,and iced coffee. In each case, there was no alteration in taste or odorof the beverage, i.e., the characteristic fish odor of the omega-3 fattyacid was not discernable. Similarly, omega-3 fatty acid geodes can beused in goods that are then baked or cooked, such as cakes, muffins,pasta noodles, soups and cookies without alteration in taste or odor.

The present invention is also particularly advantageous for the deliveryof unstable cargo moieties such as beta-carotene. Beta-carotene acts asan antioxidant by quenching singlet oxygen and other free radicals.Unfortunately beta-carotene and other carotenoids are highly susceptibleto oxidation prior to incorporation into the body. This phenomenon isobserved as a bleaching of the deep orange color. Britton, FASEB J. 9:1551-1558 (1995).

The present invention provides beta-carotene with an oxygen-freeenvironment for storage before use. Surprisingly, the beta-carotenemaintained activity even after exposure to extreme temperatures andpressures which normally would degrade it. FIG. 18 is an the image ofbeta-carotene geodes contained within muffins baked at approximately350° F. for about twenty minutes. The activity is indicated by thered-orange color observed in the muffins. Additionally, beta-carotenegeodes can be incorporated into other baked or cooked items andbeverages.

In another embodiment, the geodate delivery vehicles can be employed todeliver nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), typically used totreat inflammation, muscle strains, and high fever. NSAIDS function byinhibiting cyclooxygenase-1 (COX1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2). COX1enzymes are responsible for protecting the lining of the stomach andCOX2 enzymes are responsible for the production of prostaglandins, whichare important in the inflammatory process. Unfortunately, commerciallyavailable preparations of NSAIDS are active against both COX1 and COX2,and therefore have unwanted side effects such as ulcers, upset stomachor nausea.

Ibuprofen and naproxen are two of the more widely used and well knownNSAIDS commonly used to relieve pain and fever. Low doses of ibuprofenare used to control pain, but inflammation can not be regulated withouta higher dosage, which often causes stomach upset, diarrhea, dizziness,drowsiness, gas; heartburn, or headache, and occasionally more seriousside effects such as kidney toxicity or jaundice. Naproxen is used totreat both pain and inflammation; however, diarrhea, constipation,dizziness, drowsiness, gas, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, headache,increased susceptibility to sunburn and ringing in the ears are commonside effects. A delivery vehicle, therefore, is needed to successfullydeliver such NSAIDs to the macrophage without unwanted side effects.

Macrophages are important in the uptake of bacteria, fungi andparasites, and also play an important role in the inflammatory response.In addition to performing phagocytosis, macrophages have the potentialof being activated, a process that results in increased cell size,increased levels of lysosomal enzymes, more active metabolism, andgreater ability to phagocytose and kill ingested microbes. Afteractivation, macrophages secrete a wide variety of biologically activeproducts that, if unchecked, result in tissue injury and chronicinflammation. One of the secreted products, nitric oxide (NO), has comeinto the forefront as a mediator of inflammation.

Nitric oxide (NO) produced by inducible NOS plays an important role ininflammation, killing of bacterial pathogens, and tissue repair. NOformation increases during inflammation (i.e., in rheumatoid arthritis,ulcerative colitis, and Crohns disease), and several classicinflammatory symptoms, (i.e., erythema and vascular weakness) arereversed by NOS inhibitors. Nitric oxide has also been recognized asplaying a versatile role in the immune system. It is involved in thepathogenesis and control of infectious diseases, tumors, autoimmuneprocesses and chronic degenerative diseases.

The mechanism of action and side effects of NSAIDS, such as ibuprofenand naproxen, are explained in part by the generation of NO from iNOS.Inhibition of iNOS expression and NO production by employing the geodatedelivery vehicles of the present invention could be a way totherapeutically decrease the inflammatory actions of these drugs.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method of administration ofthe preparations of the present invention. Accordingly, the presentinvention provides a method of treating a subject that can benefit fromthe administration of a cargo moiety, including the step ofadministering a geodate delivery vehicle comprising a cargo moiety to asubject. The preparations of the present invention can be used to treatfungal infections (e.g., by delivery of a antifungal agent such asAmphotericin B), to treat or prevent HIV infection (e.g., by delivery ofa vaccine or a peptide to induce cellular immunity), to treat maculardegeneration (e.g., by delivery of a nutriceutical), to treatinflammation (e.g., by delivery of an anti-inflammatory), to treatbacterial infections (e.g., by delivery of antibiotics), and to providenutrients (e.g., by delivery of vitamins, minerals or oils).

Accordingly, the present invention provides for both prophylactic andtherapeutic methods of treating a subject at risk of (or susceptible to)a disorder or having a disorder which can be treated with one or morecargo moiety.

“Treatment”, or “treating” as used herein, is defined as the applicationor administration of a therapeutic agent (e.g., NSAIDS) to a patient, orapplication or administration of a therapeutic agent geode of theinvention to an isolated tissue or cell line, who has a disease ordisorder, a symptom of disease or disorder or a predisposition toward adisease or disorder, with the purpose to cure, heal, alleviate, relieve,alter, remedy, ameliorate, improve or affect the disease or disorder,the symptoms of the disease or disorder, or the predisposition towarddisease. “Treated,” as used herein, refers to the disease or disorderbeing cured, healed, alleviated, relieved, altered, remedied,ameliorated improved or affected.

The methods of the present invention include methods of administering acargo moiety to a subject or host, wherein the cargo moiety isassociated with a geodate delivery vehicle of the invention. The geodatedelivery vehicles of the present invention may be administered orally,nasally, topically, intravenously, transdermally, buccally,sublingually, rectally, vaginally or parenterally.

The present invention provides a method for treating a subject thatwould benefit from administration of a composition of the presentinvention. Any therapeutic indication that would benefit from a cargomoiety, e.g., a drug or nutrient, can be treated by the methods of theinvention. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods oftreating a subject at risk for or having a disease or disorder which canbe treated with, for example, a protein, a small peptide, an antiviral,an anesthetic, an anti-infectious, an antifungal, an anticancer, animmunosuppressant, a steroidal anti-inflammatory, a non-steroidalanti-inflammatory, an antioxidant, an antidepressant which can besynthetic or naturally derived, a substance which supports or enhancesmental function or inhibits mental deterioration, an anticonvulsant, anHIV protease inhibitor, a non-nucleophilic reverse transcriptaseinhibitor, a cytokine, a tranquilizer and/or a vasodilatory agent. Themethod includes the step of administering to the subject a compositionof the invention, such that the disease or disorder is treated. Thedisease or disorder can be, e.g., inflammation, pain, infection, fungalinfection, bacterial infection, viral infection, parasitic disorders, animmune disorder, genetic disorders, degenerative disorders, cancer,proliferative disorders, obesity, depression, hair loss, impotence,hypertension, hypotension, dementia, senile dementia, or malnutrition.

The geodate delivery vehicles of the instant invention can be used totreat a variety of inflammations, including headache, arthritis,rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, acute gout; acute or chronic softtissue damage associated with, e.g., a sports injury, tennis elbow,bursitis, tendonitis, acute or chronic back pain, such as a herniateddisc, carpal tunnel syndrome, glomerulonephritis, carditis, ulcerativecolitis, asthma, sepsis, and plantar fasciitis. The geodate deliveryvehicles of the invention can also be used to relieve pain resultingfrom surgery or other medical procedure. The geodate delivery vehiclesof the instant invention can further be used to treat a variety offungal infections, including candida, e.g., yeast infection, tinea,e.g., Athlete's foot, pityriasis, thrush, cryptococcal meningitis,histoplasmosis, and blastomycosis.

The geodate delivery vehicles of the instant invention can also be usedto treat a variety of bacterial infections, including but not limited tomoderate to severe lower respiratory tract infections, skin infections,biliary tract infections, bone infections, antibiotic prophylaxis,pseudomembraneous enterocolitis, central nervous system infections(e.g., meningitis and ventriculitis), intra-abdominal infections (e.g.,peritonitis), pneumonia, septicemia, soft tissue infections,neutropaenic sepsis, joint infections, infective endocartidis, andurinary tract infections.

Exemplary bacteria that can be treated with the antibiotic preparationof the present invention include, but are not limited to, Staphylococcusaureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes,Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus Group D, Clostridiumperfringens, Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonasaeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

The above methods can be employed in the absence of other treatment, orin combination with other treatments. Such treatments can be startedprior to, concurrent with, or after the administration of thecompositions of the instant invention. Accordingly, the methods of theinvention can further include the step of administering a secondtreatment, such as for example, a second treatment for the disease ordisorder or to ameliorate side effects of other treatments. Such secondtreatment can include, e.g., radiation, chemotherapy, transfusion,operations (e.g., excision to remove tumors), and gene therapy.Additionally or alternatively, further treatment can includeadministration of drugs to further treat the disease or to treat a sideeffect of the disease or other treatments (e.g., anti-nausea drugs).

With regard to both prophylactic and therapeutic methods of treatment,such treatments may be specifically tailored or modified, based onknowledge obtained from the field of pharmacogenomics.“Pharmacogenomics”, as used herein, refers to the application ofgenomics technologies such as gene sequencing, statistical genetics, andgene expression analysis to drugs in clinical development and on themarket.

More specifically, the term refers the study of how a patient's genesdetermine his or her response to a drug (e.g., a patient's “drugresponse phenotype”, or “drug response genotype”). Thus, another aspectof the invention provides methods for tailoring an individual'sprophylactic or therapeutic treatment according to that individual'sdrug response genotype. Pharmacogenomics allows a clinician or physicianto target prophylactic or therapeutic treatments to patients who willmost benefit from the treatment and to avoid treatment of patients whowill experience toxic drug-related side effects.

The language “therapeutically effective amount” is that amount necessaryor sufficient to produce the desired physiologic response. The effectiveamount may vary depending on such factors as the size and weight of thesubject, or the particular compound. The effective amount may bedetermined through consideration of the toxicity and therapeuticefficacy of the compounds by standard pharmaceutical procedures in cellcultures or experimental animals, e.g., for determining the LD₅₀ (thedose lethal to 50% of the population) and the ED₅₀ (the dosetherapeutically effective in 50% of the population). The dose ratiobetween toxic and therapeutic effects is the therapeutic index and itmay be expressed as the ratio LD₅₀/ED₅₀. Compounds which exhibit largetherapeutic indices are preferred. While compounds that exhibit toxicside effects may be used, care should be taken to design a deliverysystem that targets such compounds to the site of affected tissue inorder to minimize potential damage to unaffected cells and, thereby,reduce side effects.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides kits or otherwise packagedgeodate delivery vehicles. In one embodiment, the invention provides apackaged geodate delivery vehicle including: a geodate delivery vehicleof the invention packaged with instructions for adding the vehicle to afood, beverage or personal care product. In another embodiment, thepackaged geodate delivery vehicle is packaged with instructions forincorporating a cargo moiety into the geodate delivery vehicle.

This invention is further illustrated by the following examples whichshould not be construed as limiting.

EXAMPLES Materials and Methods Imaging of Geodes

Phase contrast light microscopy and confocal microscopy (Olympus) wereused to image suspensions, cochleates, and geodes, with and without theaid of fluorescence, which can be used, e.g., in the future study ofcellular uptake and intracellular distribution of fluorescently labeledgeodes and cargo moieties. Confocal microscopy is particularlyadvantageous as it is a 3-dimensional digital imaging device that can beused to effectively view slices of cell culture.

Cell Lines and Culture Conditions

Mouse macrophage J774A.1 cell line was obtained from ATCC. Themacrophage cells were grown in monolayers in humidified air with 5% CO₂at 37° C. in 60 mm² Petri dishes (Corning) containing 5 mL of DMEMsupplemented with 10% FBS. For experiments, cells were harvested byscraping and were seeded into 96-well plates at a density of 5×10⁵cells.

Example 1 A Lipid Monolayer Preparation of a Cargo Moiety

In a first vessel, a hydrophobic composition was prepared by vortexingdried Amphotericin B (fungal agent) and rhodamine (a fluorescent markingagent) with olive oil until the amphotericin and the rhodamine wereintegrally mixed with the olive oil. In a separate vessel, dried lipidwas vigorously mixed in water to obtain a suspension of liposomes inwater. The hydrophobic composition was then added to two portions of theliposome suspension in lipid-to-oil ratios of about 10:1 and about 5:1,and vigorously mixed to form stable emulsions. Inspection of bothemulsions under a microscope revealed the formation of the hydrophobiccomposition encapsulated with a lipid monolayer and liposomes (FIGS.2A-D, 3A-B and 4 depict similar emulsions). The emulsions were stableand the hydrophobic domain did not coalesce. Such a stable emulsion isillustrated in FIG. 1, wherein the stable emulsion includes geodatedelivery vehicles that include lipid monolayers formed about thehydrophobicdomains (dark shading), and liposomes.

Example 2 Lipid Monolayer Preparation Cargo Moiety Trapped in a LipidStrata

Calcium was added to the emulsions of Example 1. A crystalline structurewas observed to form about the lipid monolayer. The crystallinestructure is believed to include the calcium and liposomes. Each crystalenveloped several encapsulated hydrophobic domain as depictedschematically in FIG. 1. (FIGS. 5 and 6 depict similar structures).

Example 3 Release of Lipid Monolayer Preparation from Strata

EDTA was added to the emulsion of Example 2. The crystal structure wasobserved to deteriorate such that the encapsulated domain remained, nolonger encrusted by the crystalline structure. (FIGS. 7 and 8 depictsimilar emulsions).

Example 4 Preparation of Beta-Carotene in Geodate Delivery Vehicle

500 mg of soy phosphatidylserine (PS), 250 mg of 20% beta-carotene insoy oil, 10 mg alpha tocopherol (Vitamin E), and 240 mg of soy oil wereweighed into a glass tube. A smooth emulsion was prepared by vigorouslymixing the sample at 45° C. Most of the beta-carotene was observed to beincorporated into the oil droplets when examined by light microscopy.FIGS. 10A, 10B and 11 depict stable beta-carotene, oil, and lipidemulsions.

4.5 ml of sterile water was added to the glass tube with vigorousmixing. Microscopic examination revealed a stable emulsion with manydifferent size oil droplets with beta-carotene, a smaller amount of freeoil droplets, and many small moving particles.

3.3 ml of 0.1 M calcium was added in droplets to the emulsion withvigorous mixing. Examination of this preparation under the microscoperevealed vehicle comprising PS monolayers formed about oil dropletscontaining beta-carotene, captured or encrusted within a lipid strata.FIG. 9 schematically illustrates the method used and the resultsobserved in this experiment.

Example 5 Beta-Carotene Geodate Delivery Vehicles with Casein

12 g of soy phosphatidylserine (PS), 3 g of 20% beta-carotene in soyoil, and 0.2 g alpha tocopherol (Vitamin E), were weighed into a glasstube. A smooth emulsion was prepared by vigorously mixing the sample atroom temperature while slowly adding 30-40 ml of sterile water. Most ofthe beta-carotene was observed to be incorporated into the oil dropletswhen examined by light microscopy.

4.8 g casein was added to the emulsion, followed by an additional 60-70ml of sterile water (added dropwise). Microscopic examination revealed astable emulsion with many different size oil droplets withbeta-carotene, a smaller amount of free oil droplets, and many smallmoving particles.

60 ml of 0.5 M calcium chloride was added in droplets to the emulsionwith vigorous mixing. Examination of this preparation under themicroscope revealed vehicle comprising PS monolayers formed about oildroplets containing beta-carotene, captured or encrusted within a lipidstrata. The final composition was calculated as follows

Final Composition:

60% phosphatidylserine

24% casein

1% tocopherol

3% beta-carotene

12% soy oil

100 ml sterile water

60 ml 0.5M Ca⁺²

FIGS. 12A and 12B depict beta-carotene geodes before and aftermicronization. FIGS. 13A and 13B depict beta-carotene geodes insuspension. EDTA can be added to the suspension to release thebeta-carotene. FIGS. 13C and 13D depict the suspensions in 13A and 13B,respectively, after the addition of EDTA.

Example 6 Preparation of Fish Oil-Geodate Delivery Vehicles with Casein

12 g of soy phosphatidylserine (PS), 3 g of 30% fish oil, olive oil and0.2 g alpha tocopherol (Vitamin E), were weighed into a glass tube. Asmooth emulsion was prepared by vigorously mixing the sample at 45° C.while slowly adding 30-40 ml of sterile water.

4.8 g casein was added to the emulsion, followed by an additional 60-70ml of sterile water (added dropwise). Microscopic examination revealed astable emulsion with many different size fish oil droplets.

60 ml of 0.5 M calcium chloride was added in droplets to the emulsionwith vigorous mixing. Examination of this preparation under themicroscope revealed vehicle comprising PS monolayers formed about thefish oil droplets, captured or encrusted within a lipid strata.

The final compositions were as follows.

Final Composition of Fish Oil-geodes with Casein

30% fish oil

60% soy phosphatidylserine

10% casein

50 ml sterile water

60 ml 0.1M Ca⁺²

Fish Oil/casein Geodes with Olive Oil and Tocopherol

30% fish oil (10% olive oil, 1% tocopherol)

60% soy phosphatidylserine

10% casein

50 ml sterile water

60 ml 0.1M Ca⁺²

Fish Oil/Casein Geodes with Olive Oil, Garlic, Curcumin and Tocopherol

30% fish oil (10% olive oil with garlic and curcumin, 1% tocopherol)

60% soy phosphatidylserine

10% casein

50 ml sterile water

60 ml 0.1M Ca⁺²

Example 7 Preparation of Muffins Containing Beta-Carotene Geodes

Beta-carotene geodes were prepared as described in Example 4. Thesegeodes were added to BETTY CROCKER SUPERMOIST white cake mix. The mixwas cooked at 350° F. for 20 minutes. The muffins showed clusters ofbright orange geodes for at least 12 days subsequent to baking (see FIG.18).

Example 8 Preparation of Muffins Containing Fish Oil Geodes

Fish oil/olive oil/vitamin E geodes were prepared as described inExample 6. These geodes were added to BETTY CROCKER SUPERMOIST whitecake mix. The mix was cooked at 375° F. for about 20 minutes. Themuffins showed clusters of light green geodes, and had no noticeableodor for at least 24 hours after baking.

Geodes with only fish oil and without olive oil or vitamin E wereprepared as described in Example 6. The geodes were added to the whitecake mix and cooked in a microwave until brown (full power, about 45-50seconds). The muffins had no odor or adverse taste immediately aftercooking and after 24 hours.

Example 9 Preparation of Soy Milk Suspension Containing Fish Oil Geodes

Fish oil geodes were prepared as described in Example 6. One teaspoon offish oil geodes were added to 3 oz. YOPLAIT soymilk. Upon shaking, thefish oil geodes remained in a suspended state. The soy milk exhibited nonoticeable odor or taste.

Example 10 Topical Application of Beta-Carotene Geodes

Beta carotene geodes were prepared as described in Example 4, added topetrolatum and applied to the surface of the palm. The coating wasresistant to water (see FIG. 19). Without wishing to be bound to anyparticular theory, it is believed that the geodes may have fused withthe stratum corneum of the epidermis.

Example 11 Preparation of Fish Oil Geodes Containing Casein and 5%Tocopherol Using CaCl₂ Power

10 g tocopherol (Vitamin E-Roche) and 50 g fish oil (Roche ROPUFA) wereplaced in a large KITCHENAID blender and thoroughly mixed by stirring atlow speed. 120 g of soy PS (Degussa) was then added to the fish oil V-Emixture followed by several small aliquots of sterile water. 20 g ofcasein was then added into the container with fish/V-E emulsion, andsterile water was slowly added with constant low speed stirring until atotal of 2000 ml water was added. Microscopic examination showed astable emulsion with many different size oil droplets and many smallmoving particles. 35.5 g of calcium chloride powder was added to thecontainer while constantly stirring at low speed. The suspension wassubsequently stirred for an additional 30 minutes, after which thesample was transferred into a sterile amber bottle and stored as anemulsion until further use. A spray dryer and a fluid bed dryer havebeen used to powderize the fish oil geodes.

Final Composition:

Component Weight % before Ca⁺ % after Ca⁺ fish oil 50 g 25% 21.2%tocopherol 10 g  5%  4.2% soy PS 120 g 60% 50.9% casein 20 g 10%  8.5%CaCl 35.529 g 15.1% sterile water 2000 mL

Example 12 Preparation of Beta-Carotene Geodes Containing Casein and0.8% Tocopherol Using CaCl₂ Powder

2.6 g tocopherol (Roche) and 39 g of 20% B-carotene in olive oil(Cognis) were placed in a large KITCHENAID blender and thoroughly mixedby stirring at low speed. 156 g of Soy PS (Degussa) was added into thecontainer with B-carotene/vitamin E followed by several small aliquotsof sterile water. A smooth emulsion was prepared by vigorously mixingthe sample. 62.4 g of casein was then added to the container with thebeta-carotene emulsion, followed by slow addition of sterile water untila total volume of 2080 ml was reached. Microscopic examination showed astable emulsion with many different size oil droplets containingbeta-carotene, some free oil droplets, and many small moving particles.57.3 g of calcium chloride powder was slowly added to the container andthe suspension was mixed thoroughly. The suspension was subsequentlystirred for an additional 30 minutes at low speed. A 2.0 ml aliquot ofthe final preparation was placed in a 50 ml sterile tube for HPLC assay.The assay indicated that greater than 90% of the beta carotene in thesample was contained within the geodes. The emulsion was thentransferred into a sterile amber bottle until further use.

In order to determine whether the geodes could be successfully dried toa powder (removed from suspension) using commercial large-scaleequipment and without compromising the active agent disposed therein,one batch was dried using fluid bed drying equipment by Glatt AirTechniques, Inc. (Ramsey, N.J.), and the other using spray dryingequipment by Spray-Tech (Ontario, Calif.). FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 aregraphs depicting the stability of beta-crotene geodes after fluid beddrying and spray drying. FIG. 15 shows the amount of beta-carotene inthe formulation of geodes in suspension, after fluid bed drying, andafter spray drying compared to a theoretical 100%. FIG. 17 shows similardata for beta-carotene geodes in suspension, after spray drying, and, acombination of two batched of spray-dried geodes. Concentrations of betacarotene after drying are slightly higher than expected based on theamount present in starting material, possibly due to some loss of othercomponents. Higher recoveries of beta carotene were observed in the oildroplets within the geodes as compared to beta carotene elsewhere. FIG.16 is a graph showing the concentration of various formulations ofgeodes stored for a 20 day period in the presence and absence of light.The bottom graph has been normalized to a starting concentration of 1,so that a comparison of formulations can be made. The decrease inconcentration in powder upon storage may be exaggerated due to thehygroscopic geode powder taking on water.

In the fluid bed process, the geodes experienced temperatures of atleast 85° C., and in the spray dried process, the geodes experiencedtemperatures of up to 375° F. to 400° F., in some instances (where thegeodes stuck to the processing equipment) for several hours. Thebeta-carotene in the geodes remained active for both batches, asindicated by the red-yellow color of the samples, including the geodesremoved from the processing equipment.

Images of the geodes indicated that the geodes were successfullyprepared and that the beta-carotene was still active (FIGS. 14A-D).FIGS. 14A and 14D are images of geodes extracted by spray drying, andFIGS. 14B and 14C are images of geodes extracted by fluid bed drying.

Samples of the geodes were subsequently exposed to light and air for 2½days, and no degradation of beta-carotene was observed.

Final Composition:

Component Weight % before Ca⁺ % after Ca⁺ PS 156 g 60% 49.2% casein 62.4g 24% 19.7% tocopherol 2.6 g  1%  0.8% B-carotene 39 g  3%  2.5% (witholive oil) olive oil 12%  9.8% CaCl 57.33 g 18.1% sterile water 2080 ml

Example 13 Preparation of NSAID Geodes

NSAID (ibuprofen and/or naproxen) was thoroughly mixed in olive oil (5%to 10% by weight of total geode mixture). Soy PS in a lipid to drugratio of 10:1 was added to a test tube. The NSAID/olive oil mixture wasthen added to the tube containing powdered soy PS, and a spatula wasused to thoroughly mix the powder with the oil.

Once a homogeneous paste formed, TES buffer (pH 7.4) was slowly added tothe tube and vortexed for 10 to 15 minutes to further mix thesuspension. The sample was observed under an optical microscope toensure NSAID crystals were not free in suspension, but contained in theoil. Calcium chloride at 2:1 ratio to lipid was added to the stableemulsion. Sample was again observed under dark optical microscopy todetermine that geodes had formed and there were no free NSAID crystalsin the aqueous environment. The crystals were then stored under nitrogenat 4° C. until further use.

Prophetic Example Assay for Nitrite Concentration

Accumulated nitrite (NO₂) in culture medium will be measured using anautomated colorimetric assay based on the Griess reaction. Swierkosz, T.A., et al. Br. J. Pharmacol.; 114(7): 1335-42, 1995. Gross, S., et al.Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 178, 823-829, 1991. Ryu, Y. S., et al.Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 272, 758-764, 2000. J774A.1 mousemacrophages will be incubated with LPS (1 μg/ml) plus IFN-γ (10 μg/ml)in the presence or absence of free ibuprofen, ibuprofen cochleates,ibuprofen geodes as prepared in Example 13, free naproxen, naproxencochleates, naproxen geodes as prepared in Example 13, and emptycochleates for 15 hours. 100 μl of sample will be reacted with theGriess reagent at room temperature for 10 minutes. NO₂ ⁻ will then bedetermined by measuring the absorbance at 540 nm in a microplate reader.A standard curve will be obtained using known concentrations of sodiumnitrite. In all experiments, NO₂ ⁻ concentration in wells containingmedium only will also be measured as a blank control.

EQUIVALENTS

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain usingno more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specificembodiments of the invention described wherein. Such equivalents areintended to be encompassed by the following claims.

1-48. (canceled)
 49. A geodate delivery vehicle for a cargo moietycomprising: a lipid monolayer comprising an anionic phospholipid,disposed about a hydrophobic domain; and a lipid strata comprisingalternating divalent metal cations and anionic phospholipids, whereinthe lipid strata is disposed about the lipid monolayer; and a cargomoiety associated with the hydrophobic domain.
 50. The geodate deliveryvehicle of claim 49, wherein the geodate delivery vehicle is suspendedin an aqueous environment.
 51. The geodate delivery vehicle of claim 50,wherein the geodate delivery vehicle is suspended in an emulsion. 52.The geodate delivery vehicle of claim 49, wherein the geodate deliveryvehicle is in powder form.
 53. The geodate delivery vehicle of claim 49,wherein the hydrophobic domain is the cargo moiety.
 54. The geodatedelivery vehicle of claim 49, wherein the hydrophobic domain comprises acargo moiety associated with an oil or fat.
 55. The geodate deliveryvehicle of claim 49, wherein the lipid strata comprises at least about50% negatively charged lipid.
 56. The geodate delivery vehicle of claim49, wherein the lipid strata comprises at least about 75% negativelycharged lipid.
 57. The geodate delivery vehicle of claim 49, wherein thecargo moiety is at least one member selected from the group consistingof a vitamin, a mineral, a nutrient, a toxin, a microbicide, amicrobistat, a co-factor, an enzyme, a polypeptide, a polypeptideaggregate, a polynucleotide, a lipid, a carbohydrate, a nucleotide, apigment, a fatty acid, a flavor substance, a flavored essential oil orextract, a hormone, a cytokine, a virus, an organelle, a steroid, asaccharide, a metal, a metabolic poison, an antigen, an imaging agent, aporphyrin, and a drug.
 58. The geodate delivery vehicle of claim 57,wherein the drug is at least one member selected from the groupconsisting of a protein, a small peptide, a bioactive polynucleotide, ananesthetic, an anti-infectious, an anticancer, an immunosuppressant, asteroidal anti-inflammatory, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, anantioxidant, an antidepressant which can be synthetic or naturallyderived, an anticonvulsant, a non-nucleophilic reverse transcriptaseinhibitor, a cytokine, a tranquilizer or a vasodilatory agent.
 59. Thegeodate delivery vehicle of claim 57, wherein the drug is at least onemember selected from the group consisting of Amphotericin B, acyclovir,adriamycin, carbamazepine, ivermectin, melphalen, nifedipine,indomethacin, curcumin, ibuprofen, naproxen, steroids, phenyloin,ergotamines, cannabinoids, rapamycin, propanadid, propofol, alphadione,echinomycin, miconazole nitrate, teniposide, hexamethylmelamine, taxol,taxotere, piroxicam, diazepam, verapamil, vancomycin, tobramycin,geldanamycin, acetaminophen, aspirin, nystatin, rifampin, vitamin Aacid, mesalamine, risedronate, nitrofurantoin, dantrolene, etidronate,caspofungin, nicotine, amitriptyline, clomipramine, citalopram,dothepin, doxepin, fluoxetine, imipramine, lofepramine, mirtazapine,nortriptyline, paroxetine, reboxitine, sertraline, trazodone,venlafaxine, dopamine, St. John's wort, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidicacid, amastatin, antipain, bestatin, benzamidine, chymostatin,3,4-dichloroisocoumarin, elastatinal, leupeptin, pepstatin,1,10-phenanthroline, phosphoramidon, ethosuximide, ethotoin, felbamate,fosphenyloin, lamotrigine, levitiracetam, mephenyloin, methsuximide,oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phensuximide, primidone, topirimate,trimethadione, zonisamide, saquinavir, ritonavir, indinavir, nelfinavir,or amprenavir.
 60. The geodate delivery vehicle of claim 57, wherein thepolynucleotide is at least one member selected from the group consistingof a deoxyribonucletic acid (DNA) molecule, a ribonucleic acid (RNA)molecule, an siRNA, a ribozyme, an antisense molecule, a polynucleotidemodified to have a morpholino backbone, and a plasmid.
 61. The geodatedelivery vehicle of claim 57, wherein the polypeptide is at least onemember selected from the group consisting of cyclosporin, angiotensin I,II, or III, enkephalins and their analogs, ACTH, anti-inflammatorypeptides I, II, or III, bradykinin, calcitonin, beta-endorphin,dinorphin, leucokinin, leutinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH),insulin, neurokinins, somatostatin, substance P, thyroid releasinghormone (TRH), and vasopressin.
 62. The geodate delivery vehicle ofclaim 57, wherein the antigen is at least one member selected from thegroup consisting of a carbohydrate, envelope glycoproteins from viruses,an animal cell membrane protein, a plant cell membrane protein, abacterial membrane protein and a parasitic membrane protein.
 63. Thegeodate delivery vehicle of claim 57, wherein the nutrient is at leastone member selected from the group consisting of vitamins, minerals,fatty acids, amino acids, fish oils, fish oil extracts, resveratrol,biotin, choline, inositol, ginko, and saccharides.
 64. The geodatedelivery vehicle of claim 63, wherein the nutrient is a phytochemical.65. The geodate delivery vehicle of claim 57, wherein the nutrient is atleast one member selected from the group consisting of beta-carotene,lutein, zeaxanthine, quercetin, silibinin, perillyl alcohol, genistein,sulfurophane, lycopene, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
 66. The geodatedelivery vehicle of claim 57, wherein the vitamin is at least-one memberselected from the group consisting of vitamins A, B, B1, B2, B3, B12,B6, B-complex, C, D, E, and K, vitamin precursors, and carotenoids. 67.The geodate delivery vehicle of claim 57, wherein the mineral is atleast one member selected from the group consisting of boron, chromium,colloidal minerals, colloidal silver, copper, manganese, potassium,selenium, vanadium, vanadyl sulfate, calcium, magnesium, barium, ironand zinc.
 68. The geodate delivery vehicle of claim 57, wherein thefatty acid is at least one member selected from the group consisting ofmonounsaturated, polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids.
 69. Thegeodate delivery vehicle of claim 57, wherein the saccharide orsweetener is at least one member selected from the group consisting ofsaccharine, isomalt, maltodextrine, aspartame, glucose, maltose,dextrose, fructose and sucrose.
 70. The geodate delivery vehicle ofclaim 57, wherein the flavor substance is at least one oil or extractselected from the group consisting of oils and extracts of cinnamon,vanilla, almond, peppermint, spearmint, chamomile, geranium, ginger,grapefruit, hyssop, jasmine, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, marjoram,lime, nutmeg, orange, rosemary, sage, rose, thyme, anise, basil, blackpepper, tea or tea extracts, an herb, a citrus, a spice and a seed. 71.The geodate delivery vehicle of claim 49, wherein the geodate deliveryvehicle further comprises an aggregation inhibitor.
 72. The geodatedelivery vehicle of claim 71, wherein the aggregation inhibitorcomprises methylcellulose.
 73. A pharmaceutical composition comprising ageodate delivery vehicle of claim 49 and a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier.
 74. The geodate delivery vehicle of claim 57, wherein thepigment comprises a tetrapyrrolic pigment.
 75. The geodate deliveryvehicle of claim 57, wherein the nutrient is at least one nutrientselected from the group consisting of a micronutrient and an amino acid.76. The geodate delivery vehicle of claim 58, wherein the drug is atleast one drug selected from the group consisting of an antibiotic andan antifungal.
 77. The geodate delivery vehicle of claim 59, wherein thesteroid is at least one steroid selected from the group consisting ofestrogens, testosterones, 18-hydroxydeoxycorticosterone, prednisolone,dexamethazone, cortisone and hydrocortisone.
 78. The geodate deliveryvehicle of claim 66, wherein the carotenoid comprises beta-carotene. 79.The geodate delivery vehicle of claim 49, wherein the cargo moiety isAmphotericin B.
 80. The geodate delivery vehicle of claim 57, whereinthe drug is an antiviral.
 81. The geodate delivery vehicle of claim 57,wherein the drug is an HIV protease inhibitor.